Raw, Powerful Reality Lights up the Screen

Read Time:4 Minute, 29 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Girls Town
–

Genre: Drama
Year Released: 1996, 2025 4K restoration
Runtime: 1h 30m
Director(s): Jim McKay
Writer(s): Jim McKay, Denise Casano, Anna Grace, Bruklin Harris, Lili Taylor
Cast: Lili Taylor, Bruklin Harris, Anna Grace, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Guillermo Diaz, John Ventimiglia, Michael Imperioli
Where To Watch: opening in select theaters beginning January 17, 2025, at New York’s IFC Center with additional markets to follow

RAVING REVIEW: Something is electrifying about watching a movie that feels like it's been plucked from the reality of high school, bringing a tale of solidarity into our worlds. When it first premiered at Sundance in 1996, it broke ground by tackling hefty themes of empowerment and resilience, which resonate just as strongly today, thanks to the newly restored theatrical presentation by Film Movement Classics. For those looking for cinema that speaks directly to society's challenges with a vibrant call to action, this film delivers by the reel.

Before diving into the review, I wanted to highlight this film's almost eerie similarity to a nearly R-rated version of an ABC Afterschool Specials. And I mean this with the utmost respect (otherwise, it wouldn’t have received such a high rating.) While the story has that feeling, it reaches so far beyond, with each cast member pulling you further into the darkness of their realities.

Our story unfolds in a typical high school setting, yet there's nothing ordinary about the tales deep dive into the lives of three seniors. A tragic event—the unexpected suicide of a close friend—rips through the pretense of their daily existence, exposing the private battles she fought in solitude. This revelation sets the trio on a gritty path of discovery and defiance, challenging their expectations and seeking justice for their friend and themselves.

The potent performances of its leading ladies are central to the film's heartbeat. Lili Taylor's performance as Patti infuses her role with a raw intensity that challenges stereotypes of female characters. She brings a blend of grit and vulnerability to the screen, making her character’s journey a compelling anchor for the narrative. Alongside her, Bruklin Harris and Anna Grace deliver transformative performances, ensuring the audience feels every nuance of their emotional turmoil.

The script does something remarkable—it speaks in the authentic tone of adolescence, with all its jagged edges and raw, unfiltered emotions. This genuineness might sacrifice some expected “narrative polish,” but it gains a deeper viewer connection. This dialogue helps paint a realistic picture of the tangled web of teenage relationships, filled with conflict, loyalty, and heartache.

Behind the camera, the director's subtle yet profound touch delves deep into the character's internal and external battles. The film’s structure mirrors the chaotic whirlwind of its protagonists' lives, capturing moments of despair, bursts of anger, and the occasional laughter that comes with growing up.

The soundtrack—an all-star lineup featuring Queen Latifah, PJ Harvey, and Salt-N-Pepa—does more than just accompany the visuals; it underscores the film’s themes of empowerment and resistance. These tracks serve as a backdrop to the unfolding drama, elevating the film’s message and setting the tone for a powerful journey.

The film also tackles the thorny issue of vengeance and the quest for justice through its complex portrayal of the characters’ responses to trauma. The way these young women handle their anger and demand accountability makes for a thought-provoking exploration of morality and activism within the narrative framework.

The painstaking 4K restoration by nonprofit lab IndieCollect ensures this film remains a beacon in the landscape of independent cinema. It challenges viewers to reflect on and engage with its themes, standing as a testament to the power of film as a medium for commentary and change. It amplifies voices that are all too often drowned out.

This film becomes a call to arms, reminding us that the quest for justice and equality is far from over. It invites every viewer to reconsider their part in shaping a world, making its restoration not just a revisit of a Sundance gem but a continuation of a vital dialogue on empowerment and resilience.

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[photo courtesy of FILM MOVEMENT]

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